Each Masters is memorable for Grand Rapids' Terry Moore

Terry Moore works in the press room at Augusta National.Courtesy Photo

AUGUSTA, GA -- It may be the smallest field held in the majors but West Michigan golf authority Terry Moore can't stop himself from loving The Masters.

Moore, a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame is attending his 30th Masters, and he is just as fired up this year as he was his first.

"My first Masters was in 1984, the first time Ben Crenshaw won," Moore said. "I had a new statewide golf magazine Michigan Golfer (now the website michigangolfer.com) and I was so privileged to be covering the event."

It was Crenshaw's second Masters win in 1995 that is Moore's dearest memory from the event. Crenshaw attended the funeral of his longtime mentor Harvey Penick the day before flying to Augusta to participate in the event. Crenshaw defeated Davis Love III by one stroke, finishing the round -14 with a total of 274 for the tournament.

"He collapsed into his caddy's arms on the 18th green when he won," Moore said. "In the media center during his press conference, Crenshaw said 'I had a 15th club in my bag today. It was Harvey.'"

Terry MooreCourtesy Photo

Adding to the emotion, Moore's name was drawn in the media lottery to play Augusta National the Monday after the Masters.

"I had to delay my flight a day," Moore said. "I'm just glad I had my clubs with me. There were a lot of people on the course so we played a nice, slow round."

Moore says that Augusta's endless pursuit of making their tournament better shows every time he goes.

"They try to be better every year," Moore said. "Everything is handled with class and finesse. There's no gouging. You can get sandwiches and drinks down here for a couple dollars. No one puts on an event like down here at the Masters."

This is proven by Augusta's dedication to tomorrow's players, Moore said.

"They are going to bring in 88 kids for their Drive, Chip and Putt event next year at Augusta National, the Sunday before the Masters," Moore said. "The drives will be held on the practice tee and the putting finals will be held on the 18th green. It's a great way to get youth excited about golf, pretty amazing that they're doing that."

"If you want to grow the game it really does start with parents and children," Moore said. "I was lucky enough to have parents who golfed and really got me into the sport and it's been good to me my whole life."